It takes place over the weekend of June 17-19…
So let’s start with you telling SO readers all about the essence of Black Deer?
It is a festival on a mission to bring real roots-inspired music to the UK. We’re Europe’s leading Americana festival and an award-winning one at that! We were first established in 2018 but due to the pandemic couldn’t host in 2020 or 2021.Black Deer is not just about hearing the music you love, it’s about discovering music you’re going to love and experiencing the unique cultural richness that surrounds the ever popular way of life that is Americana.
What can festival goers expect for 2022?
Fun and good times with good people! Following postponements in 2020 and 2021, Black Deer Festival 2022 is going to be the best yet. On our music bill Americana pioneers Wilco will play their only UK date of 2022 and there’ll also be Mike Scott’s legendary The Waterboys as well as the iconic Irish singer-songwriter legend Van Morrison playing live in the deer park. Country music is well-represented with emerging heroes such as Courtney Marie Andrews, The Dead South and Pokey Lafarge all signed up, while the roots heroes that represent the very best of Americana’s broad church like Drive-By Truckers, Imelda May, Jake Bugg, Foy Vance and The Milk Carton Kids will all be appearing live.
What does the 2022 line-up reflect to Black Deer fans?
These are the very best artists making roots music today. Regardless of where they come from, it’s where they’re at that we’re interested in at Black Deer. There will be must-see and bucket list acts but also plenty of ones to watch that you’ll be hearing more about in the future.
How challenging has it been to keep everything on track for a return in 2022?
We are so aware of the human cost and damage to our industry that this pandemic has caused. The livelihoods of artists, bands, their teams and management; along with traders, suppliers, partners; a behind-thescenes festival army; local hospitality, deserving communities and charities. We could go on… it’s why, more than anything, we want to be at the forefront of the return of live music.
How did you cope during the lockdown years?
We did everything in our power to get our doors open in 2020 and 2021 and went above and beyond in meeting government safety guidelines and restrictions, all of which we achieved without any financial support from the government and doing so within a backdrop absent of any government-backed insurance schemes (for the second year in a row).Therefore we are incredibly proud to be still standing strong and ready to present the safest of events this summer – one that will kickstart the festival industry into a brand new day.
Your determination to keep going in the face of adversity is truly inspiring. Have you felt the Black Deer community has become even more connected and supportive as a result?
Thank you! It’s very clear that without the ongoing support of our community and ticketholders, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We now can’t wait to pay them all back with the best festival we can possibly produce come June.
What’s your favourite Black Deer memory or highlight to date?
There are too many to mention! Let’s single out a few iconic mainstage moments and special intimate performances Black Deer has given us, as it fills us with pride and gets us even more excited for what’s to come… In 2019, Jessie Buckley, Chance McCoy, Roseanne Reid and Ryan Bingham took to the stage for one of our unique Songwriter Sessions, creating never to be seen again moments for an incredibly lucky audience. Then there was a Sunday morning service of righteous music led by the Powerhouse Gospel Choir, ably supported by the soulful Mike Harris. And proving to be one of his last live shows before quietly retiring in early 2021, Kris Kristoffreson’s amazing set at Black Deer 2019 proved why the iconic singer-songwriter and Hall of Famer is a living legend in the Americana community. It truly was one of those ‘I was there’ moments…
Could you give an insight into some of the food and drink that will be on offer?
The very best in outdoor and smokehouse cooking is coming to Kent, with expert demonstrations and tastings taking place across the three days with fabulous food, drink and hospitality on offer all over Eridge Park. The Live Fire area is a must if you like BBQ – the food will transport you to the smokehouses of America’s deep south and tickle your fancy with ribs, pulled meats, brisket, rotisserie chicken, smoky scents and sweet sauces… all washed down with the finest Bourbon and craft beers.
Aside from the fabulous music will there be plenty of activities for kids to get stuck into?
We pride ourselves on being the UK’s most family-friendly destination and our Young Folk offering is one of the summer season’s best in this area. Set in the wild and spectacular deer park, our undulating landscape makes it the perfect spot for children of all ages to enjoy and explore the great outdoors. Young visitors can learn music, rodeo, climb trees and explore hand-on skills with the likes of Woodland Tribe, a non-profit CIC promoting adventure play. They give kids access tools such as drills, nails, hammers and a whole lot of wood to build their own structures over the three days of the festival. It takes them all working as a team to build something magical and tangible they can take ownership of – we’ve had a western village, fortress and railway train in previous years – they get so involved and don’t want to leave it behind when it’s time to return home. It’s a brilliantly healthy way to keep them engaged, learning and happy.
It’s fantastic to see Black Deer working with the SupaJam foundation once again, what can we expect in this regard for the 2022 festival?
The SupaJam ethos is to be forward thinking, caring and encouraging whilst providing a structured, supportive and non-judgemental environment. We share that ethos and the amazing relationship between Black Deer and SupaJam is like no other. With 80% of SupaJam students having some form of social, emotional, or behavioural challenge to overcome, the organisation gives them a safe home to reignite their desire to learn and grow…
Black Deer Information
It’s on from Friday June 17th to Sunday June 19th and there are a
number of ticket options available…
They include limited Tier 3 Tickets for Black Deer Festival 2022 (weekend
and day splits) which are now available.
General tickets for the Black Deer Festival are now available to purchase
Website: Black Deer Festival – Americana & Country Music Festival
Facebook: Black Deer Festival
Instagram: @blackdeerfest
Twitter: @blackdeerfest
Spotify: Search Black Deer Festival
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCyakG1HtbkcCBM0mKtenw5A
